March 22, 2007

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LUBBOCK, Texas -The Texas Tech women's tennis team returns to the courts hosting Big 12 opponent the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Sunday, March 25, at 10 a.m. at the McLeod Tennis Center. The Lady Raiders are coming off a three week break after a 13-match run to open 2007. Tech sits 7-6 on the season, 0-3 in conference play.

The Huskers lead the series 10-6, edging the Raiders in the Big 12 tournament last season 4-0. During the regular season, Tech came ahead with the 4-3 win on the road in Lincoln. Nebraska currently sits 7-5 overall, 1-4 in Big 12 play.

Last Time Out
The team hit the road for the first time in the beginning of March as they traveled to play three matches Oklahoma. In Norman, Tech was upset by the Sooners, 4-3, as the deciding match rested on the No. 5 singles court. Tech freshman Kerryn Potgieter took junior Chelsea Orr to a third set, losing 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 in a two hour and fifteen minute match.

Coming off a disappointing loss to the Sooners, Tech needed to find a spark as they traveled to Stillwater to face the No. 40 Oklahoma State Cowgirls. The Raiders came out strong early in the match by securing the doubles point, and taking an early 1-0 lead. Unfortunately, sophomore Samantha van der Drift was the only one able to secure a singles win for her team. Tech lost the match 5-2, dropping their third conference match.

To end their first road series of 2007, the Lady Raiders turned it around dominating Oral Roberts 6-1 in Stillwater. Tech captain Lakann Wagley said she was disappointed with the way her and her team played in Oklahoma.

"I was a little disappointed as I felt we should have beat Oklahoma," said Wagley. Heading into Sunday's match she feels her team has improved and become stronger over the break. "I think we have a real strong chance to beat them (Nebraska). With their ranking being similar to ours, I feel this will be an opportunity for us to start winning in the Big 12."

Big 12 Stronger Than Ever
As customary, the Tech women's tennis team will be competing in one of the toughest conferences in college tennis today. At the beginning of January, Baylor, No. 6, and Texas, No. 20, both fall in the top 25 of the preseason ITA/Fila Collegiate Tennis Rankings. In the latest ITA rankings, No. 24 Baylor, No. 20 Colorado, No. 40 Texas, No. 26 Texas A&M, and No. 48 Oklahoma State all fall in the top 50.

"This conference is one of the toughest in the country and so every match allows a team to position themselves for post season play," said Coach Groce. "You have to be ready for each team, as everyone has strong players in their lineups."

Tech began conference play on the road after hosting 10 consecutive matches at home. Losing 6-1 to Colorado in their Big 12 opener, Tech had a tough run in Oklahoma as they suffered losses to both Oklahoma, 4-3, and Oklahoma State, 5-2. Tech looks to notch in their first conference win against the Huskers, knowing they still have a tough schedule of upcoming Big 12 matches.

Live stats will be available via the team's Web site for every home match. For more information and complete results, visit www.texastech.com.

-TTU-